CHICAGO (March 5, 2014) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Wednesday that the club has acquired midfielder Matt Watson from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for a 2014 international roster spot. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Matt is a steady, athletic player and we’re looking forward to having him join our club,” said Chicago Fire Head Coach and Director of Soccer Frank Yallop.

A Redditch, England native, Watson attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County where he played two seasons in 2004-05.

In 2006, Watson signed with the USL-PRO side Richmond Kickers, where he played all 24 games for the Kickers as they captured both the regular season and playoff titles. Watson spent time with both MISL side Baltimore Blast and the Carolina RailHawks of the NASL before signing with the Whitecaps on Dec. 16, 2011.

In two seasons, Watson started 25 of his 36 MLS Regular Season appearances and tallied one assist over 2,261 minutes. Watson added an assist in the Whitecaps’ first-ever MLS Playoff match in a 2-1 loss on Nov. 1, 2012.